The newly introduced Pentavalent Vaccine in Kogi State has been described as a health program that will seriously receive government’s attention.
The State Governor, Capt Idris Wada stated this at the State flag off of the 2013 Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week as well as the introduction of Pentavalent Vaccine in Kogi State.
The Governor described the vaccine as an integrated health care program designed by UNICEF to immunize children against preventable diseases.
The Governor who was represented by the State Head of Service, Dr Moses Atakpa said the vaccine has the advantage of preventing five diseases using a single dose.
Capt Wada described the strategy as a critical intervention strategy by his administration to reduce death of children to the barest minimum.
The State Governor called on experts to find and carry out innovative ways and research that will lead to the discovery of solutions to deaths during child birth with a view to saving newborn and children.
The urgent need to make child birth safer have several benefits according to the governor which cannot be over emphasized,said such research will enable women contribute to nation building and for children to attain their full potentials.
The importance the present administration attaches to women and children the governor noted elicited the comprehensive health need for vulnerable groupsย like pregnant women and children,said plans have been concluded to reduce the cost of treatment for the affected groups in the State.
Capt Wada commended Council Chairmen in the State for their collaboration in not only meeting the Millennium Development Goals in children’s health but also in other areas, said it is a sure way of bringing health care delivery closer to the people.
In her good will message, Hajia Halimat Wada, Wife to the Kogi State Governor described the introduction of the Pentavalent vaccine schedule as a step in the right direction adding that more lives would now be saved in the state.
The First Lady said her Pet project, the Kogi Women Empowerment Network will continue to collaborate to accelerate health program that will benefit women and children through effective mobilization of human and other resources.
In his speech, Dr Idris Omede Commissioner for Health, said the Pentavalent Vaccines newly introduced in the State is made up of DPT, Hepatitis B and Heamophilus influenza type B has been distributed across the State, will prevent children from having Diptheria, Whopping Cough, Tetanus, Hepatiti and Pneumonia.
The Commissioner called on Parents, Mothers, Caregivers to avail themselves of the Government’s resolve to improve the health of communities, women and children in the state by embracing the new innovation.
Also speaking, Mohammed Ali, Chairman Dekina Local Government, commended the state government in the concern shown on the health needs of the people appealed to parents of the area to turn out en mass for the five day immunization program.
The flag off ceremony also witnessed the presentation of goodwill messages from WHO, UNICEF, NCWS, National Population Commission and the Ministry of Women Affairs, who commended the commitment the Capt Idris Wada has shown in the health needs of women and children.
Highlights of the flag off was the presentation of gift items to women,administration of vaccines to children as well as the presentation of mosquito nets to women and children of the area.
